Thoracic application of multi-detector CT.

ABSTRACT

Multi-detector CT (MDCT) is the latest advancement in the field of medical imaging. It has considerable advantage over single-detector helical CT in the form of shorter acquisition time, greater coverage, and superior image resolution. All these factors substantially increase the diagnostic accuracy of the examination by providing state-of-the-art image quality. Three-dimensional (3D) isotropic volume imaging is possible with MDCT and, it provides an excellent anatomy of the thorax thereby increasing the diagnostic yield comprehensively. With the advent of MDCT, there is paradigm shift in vascular imaging from conventional catheter angiography to MDCT angiography as this technique provides image quality that equals or surpasses that of conventional angiography. Recent advances in 3D volume rendering allows a fly through the tracheobronchial tree and the thoracic great vessels generating virtual endoscopic views in real-time. It is also helpful in imaging the musculo-skeletal system and the thoracic cage.